It is noticeable that this year, a great consideration is given to the parties of this year's senatorial election. With the lifting of the ad ban and all, there are more opportunities for the party to advertise their candidates in print, radio, television and the hypermedia. We are all too familiar already with Juan Flavier's 'basketball' ad that probably earned him a couple more hundred of votes. Or maybe Kiko "Mega-Attorney ng Bayan" Pangilinan's commercial emphasizing his being Sharon Cuneta's husband more than his 'Kumilos Tayo' slogan. The fans of the Mega Star are sure to be the first in line on May 14. And who could forget Manny Villar's TV ad showcase of ladies and gentlemen in red, as if the opening act of last decade's GMA Supershow, trying to tell us that he's oozing with appeal.

During the filing of candidacy, we heard a lot of reasons from the news why these candidates decided to run for Senate. Ping Lacson claims his love for service is greater than his hate for politics as his reason for running. Noli De Castro announced in TV Patrol that being a broadcast journalist is not enough for him to help the ordinary Filipino, therefore, a senate seat is the key for him to be able to impart greater acts of giving. Miriam Defensor-Santiago's self-proclamation as the "Kampyon ng Konstitusyon" still lingers in the mind of the people. Let's just hope we wouldn't be hearing the words "I lied" from her once again if she wins.

Notice the new TV Ads launched by the PPC regarding the inharmonious stints of Enrile, Honasan and Defensor-Santiago in last weeks EDSA 3. Though I admit Miriam's far from bewitching laugh on these ads were truly hilarious, I just bet thousands of people originally voting for one of these three were turned off and decided that they would vote for someone else instead. It's amazing how powerful the media is in terms of influencing the common people.

Indeed, media, television in particular, reaches out to people from all walks of life. It is a great medium to use when one wants to influence those far away from them. Believe it or not, editing and good footages can do wonders for a candidate's image. That is why we shouldn't be convinced and dwell much on everything that we see on TV. More than anything, it is only a form of expressing the positive points of a candidate's character and does not tackle them as a real person capable of service to the Philippines. As much as running for office is a game of personalities, we should keep in mind that it is not a person's personality that makes them admirable, but it is their character. That is why it is important to go beyond these ads and really take the time out to read more information about your candidate.

So, next time we see Rica Peralejo or Ronnie Rickets raising arms and holding hands with some candidate on TV, we owe it to ourselves to think: "Hmm.. her armpits may be as white as can be but who the hell is that guy raising his hands with her like a champ? I better check him out."